SLO CAL (San Luis Obispo County) serves up more than just beautiful scenery; it’s home to an incredible variety of restaurants that bring global cuisine right to the Central Coast. The regions’ international dining scene lets you experience the world, whether you’re dining by the ocean or in wine country. Every corner reveals a taste of unique food from a different culture, from authentic Italian dishes and vibrant Thai kitchens to fresh sushi bars and flavor-packed Mexican taquerias. Every meal in SLO CAL is a delicious journey just waiting to be savored.
European Cuisines
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Italian
Savor the taste of Italy in SLO CAL with handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas and fresh sauces crafted from locally sourced ingredients.
Giuseppe’s Cucina Italiana
📍 891 Price St, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Giuseppe’s Cucina Italiana is a local favorite having locations in both San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach. The original Giuseppe’s Cucina opened in 1988, Pismo Beach by Giuseppe DiFronzo. As an early adopter of the farm-to-fork philosophy, his own farm, Difronzo Farms produces the vegetables and fruits found in their dishes. Their menu showcases the fresh, robust and authentic flavors of Southern Italy.
Popular Dishes: Roasted Beet Salad, Tagliatelle Bolognese, Beet Sting Pizza
Gina's Italian Restaurant
📍138 E Branch St, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
In the heart of Arroyo Grande, Gina’s Italian restaurant offers classic and traditional Italian favorites. They are passionate about the use of their finest ingredients from fresh seafood and handcrafted pastas.
Popular Dishes: Zucchini Blossoms, Rigatoni California, Lasagna
Cielo Ristorante & Rooftop Bar
📍 6400 El Camino Real, Atascadero CA 93422
Cielo serves a curated menu that showcases classic Italian dishes with a modern twist. Come enjoy their happy hours featuring signature cocktails that can be enjoyed on their beautiful rooftop bar with views of downtown Atascadero.
Popular Dishes: Osso Bucco, Burrata Cloud, Fig Pizza
Explore more Italian restaurants in SLO CAL here.
French
Indulge in the elegance of French Cuisine at SLO CAL’s bistros and brasseries. Try classic dishes like French Onion Soup and Steak Frites, while pairing with carefully curated wine lists.
BL Brasserie
📍 1202 Pine St, Paso Robles, CA 93446
At BL Brasserie in Paso Robles, Chef Laurent Grangien brings the flavors of France to SLO CAL with classic brasserie-style dishes in a warm, inviting atmosphere. They utilize fresh local ingredients paired with both local and French wines.
Popular Dishes: Crispy Crab Risotto with Sautéed Shrimp, French Onion Soup, Filet Mignon
Les Petites Canailles
📍 1215 Spring Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Les Petites Canailles is a family-owned French bistro in Paso Robles by Courtney and Julien Asseo. They specialize as a farm-to-table bistro utilizing local Central Coast California ingredients. Chef Julien Asseo crafts refined dishes inspired by his French heritage that evolve with the seasons.
Popular Dishes: Steak Tartare, Steak Au Poivre, “Trust Us” – Nightly 6 course tasting menu
Blue Moon Over Avila
📍 460 Front Street, Avila Beach, CA 93424
Blue Moon Over Avila offers an elegant French-inspired rotating menu in Avila Beach paired with wines from around the world. It is a perfect coastal dining experience with dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and an ocean-view.
Popular Dishes: Fresh Wild Mushroom Ravioli, Croque Monsieur, Lobster Roll
Explore more European restaurants in SLO CAL here.
Mediterranean Food
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Mediterranean cuisine in SLO CAL is a celebration of bold flavors, fresh herbs, and wholesome ingredients. From savory kebabs to refreshing salads, there’s something to satisfy everybody’s favorite tastes and flavors.
Petra Mediterranean Pizza & Grill
📍 1210 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Petra serves up authentic Mediterranean cuisine in a casual, welcoming setting. Know for its fresh falafel, award-winning pizza and delicious shawarma, this family-owned spot is perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal with friends.
Popular Dishes: Chicken Shawarma Plate, Gyro Pizza, Falafel Sandwich
Hapy Bistro
📍 821 N Oak Park Blvd, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Hapy Bistro specializes in Mediteranean-style food with a Greek flare. The menu highlights the Fadel family heritage and travel experiences. They use the best Central Coast ingredients from grass-fed beef, lamb and chicken paired with locally grown fresh veggies.
Popular Dishes: Chicken Shish Kabobs, Gyro Sandwich, Salads and Avgolemono Soup
Jaffa Café
📍 206 E Branch St, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
Jaffa Café is a go to local spot for healthy Mediterranean cuisine made with the freshest ingredients. They offer a vibrant taste of authentic Mediterranean dishes that are as colorful as they are flavorful.
Popular Dishes: Chicken Shawarma, Gyro Plate, Red Lentil Soup
Asian Restaurants
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Japanese
Japanese cuisine in SLO CAL brings precision, artistry and fresh ocean ingredients to the table. The region’s coastal water makes it the ideal location for high-quality seafood for your favorite sushi and sashimi dishes.
Goshi Japanese Restaurant
📍 722 Pine Street, Paso Robles, CA 93466
Goshi Japanese Restaurant brings authentic Japanese cuisine to Paso Robles. They pride themselves sin sourcing the finest and freshest ingredients from around the world to serve everything from fresh sushi and sashimi to comforting rice bowls.
Popular Dishes: Albacore Tataki, Special Spicy Albacore Roll, Chirashi Sushi Don
Chitose
📍 8050 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422
Chitose in Atascadero is a local favorite for authentic Japanese cuisine, serving up traditional dishes in a relaxed, welcoming setting. The restaurant is known for its generous portions and fresh ingredients.
Popular Dishes: Red Blossom Roll, Chitose Roll, Tempura U-Don
Umi Sushi
📍 630 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA 93442
Umi Sushi pairs fresh, creative sushi rolls with stunning views of the harbor and Morro Rock. Their menu balances traditional Japanese flavors and a modern twist, great for sushi lovers looking to enjoy a coastal dining experience.
Popular Dishes: Spicy Tuna Roll, Crazy Baby Roll, Chicken Yakisoba
Izakaya Raku
📍 953 W Grand Ave, Grover Beach, CA 93433
Izakaya Raku offers an authentic Japanese pub experience with a menu full of shareable plates to pair with drinks. It’s a great spot to gather with friends to experience the popular Japanese trend of Izakaya dining right here in the central coast.
Popular Dishes: Raku Ramen, Tonkatsu, Spider Cut Roll
Kuma
📍 2011 10th Street, Los Osos, CA 93402
Kuma in Los Osos is a neighborhood gem serving authentic Japanese comfort food. With its relaxed, welcoming vibe and commitment to quality ingredients, Kuma offers a true taste of Japanese cuisine in a hidden gem setting.
Popular Dishes: Garlic Chip Roll, Morro Bombay Roll, Teriyaki Bowl
Thai
SLO CAL is rich with opportunities to enjoy the wonderful flavors of Thai food. In every town you can find a popular spot to get your favorite spicy curries, creamy soups and delicious stir-fries.
Thai Classic
📍 1212 Park St, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Thai Classic is a local favorite, bringing the vibrant flavors of Thailand through authentic dishes crafted with fresh ingredients and bold spices. Thai Classic delivers a true taste of Thai hospitality in the heart of wine country.
Popular Dishes: Pad Thai, Mango Curry, Pineapple Fried Rice
Thai Elephant
📍 7320 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422
With locations in both Atascadero and Morro Bay, Thai Elephant serves authentic Thai recipes in a warm, friendly setting. It’s a favorite spot for locals and visitors craving a delicious Thai dining experience.
Popular Dishes: Pineapple Fried Rice, Yellow Curry, Green Papaya Salad
Thai Boat
📍 3212 Broad St #140, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Originating as a small seaside shop in Morro Bay, Thai Boat is a family-owned business that shares the authentic flavors of Thailand with the Central Coast. Their location moved to San Luis Obispo and the restaurant is known for its welcoming atmosphere and generous portions
Popular Dishes: Green Curry, Pad Thai, Pineapple Curry
Filipino
Filipino cuisine combines sweet, savory and tangy flavors, known for its hearty, home-style dishes that reflect the richness of the country’s cultural heritage and welcoming community.
Lumpia Bros. Cafe
📍1187 W Grand Ave, Grover Beach, CA 93433
Discover the irresistible flavors of the Philippines at Lumpia Bros. Café. This beloved local eatery specializes in Filipino comfort food served in a welcoming atmosphere.
Popular Dishes: Mama’s Lumpia Plate, Longanisa Gliders, Adobo
Chinese
SLO CAL’s Chinese eateries showcase warm, comforting dishes blending traditional recipes with locally sourced ingredients. These restaurants celebrate the cultural heritage and long-standing influence of Chinese culture in the Central Coast community.
Shake Shake Fresh Noodle
📍1049 Nipomo St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Known for its hand-pulled noodles and bold satisfying flavors, Shake Shake Fresh Noodle brings a taste of Chinese comfort food to San Luis Obispo. Guests can watch the noodles being made fresh to order highlighting the craft of traditional noodle-making.
Popular Dishes: Chili Oil Flat Noodle with Beef Bone, House Special Beef Bone Noodle Soup, House Beef Roll
Mei's Chinese Restaurant
📍1759 Shell Beach Road, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Mei’s Chinese Restaurant is a local favorite for classic Chinese cuisine with coastal charm. The menu offers a wide variety of favorites including flavorful stir-fry dishes and house specialties. Known for their generous portions and friendly service, Mei’s is a go-to spot for both casual meals and delicious takeout.
Popular Dishes: Orange Chicken, Walnut Shrimp, Seafood Pan Fried Crispy Noodle
China Gourmet
📍153 Niblick Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446
China Gourmet is a family business established in 1992. They are proud to serve fresh quality Chinese dishes that use only the finest ingredients. They are known for their deliciously healthy options bringing the flavors of Chinese cuisine and Hong Kong Style Seafood to SLO CAL.
Popular Dishes: Sweet & Sour Pork, Sliced Barbecued Pork, Mongolian Beef
Indian
Savor the fragrant spices and specialties of India right here in SLO CAL, offering everything from creamy curries and buttery naan to flavor-packed tandoori dishes. Indian cuisine brings dishes filled with aromatic flavors and warmth, guaranteeing a satisfying dining experience.
Taj Palace
📍795 E Foothill Blvd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Taj Palace offers a dining experience rooted in tradition and flavor, with recipes that perfectly showcase Indian Cuisine. Every dish is crafted with care serving everything from favorites curries to delicious appetizers.
Popular Dishes: Butter Chicken, Malai Kofta, Chicken Saag
Shalimar
📍3820 Broad Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Shalimar promises an authentic South Asian menu. Guests can enjoy the popular all-you-can eat lunch and dinner buffets where fragrant curries, fresh naan and tandoori dishes are offered side by side.
Popular Dishes: Chicken Tikka Masala, Vegetable Korma, Vegetable Biriyani
Korean
Korean Cuisine in SLO CAL offers traditional recipes and exciting opportunities to try an interactive dining experience. You don’t want to miss the chance to customize your dishes based on traditional marinades and sauces while pairing them with Korean side dishes, called banchan.
Honey Belly
📍1127 Broad St. Suite B, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Honey Belly brings the exciting experience of Korean BBQ to San Luis Obispo. They offer an all-you-can eat dining experience where guests can grill marinated meats right at their table, while pairing them with authentic Korean side dishes like Kimchi.
Popular Dishes: Spicy Pork Belly, Galbi, Kimchi Fried Rice
Kochi Korean BBQ & Shabu Shabu
📍6900 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422
Kochi Korean BBQ and Shabu Shabu also offers a hands-on dining experience where guests can grill premium meats at their table and cook ingredients in flavorful hot pots. They offer a variety of marinated meats and sauces for customers to customize their meals.
Popular Dishes: Organic Tofu Stew, Prime Beef Bulgogi, Hot Sizzling Stone Bowl Bibimbap
Seoul Food
📍773 Foothill Blvd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
If you’re looking to try traditional Korean staples, Seoul Food is the place to go. Their dishes are flavored to perfection through authentic home-style cooking techniques and recipes.
Popular Dishes: Spicy Pork Bulgogi, Kimchi Jun, X-Large Mandu
Explore more Asian restaurants in SLO CAL here.
South American Bites
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Mexican
Mexican cuisine thrives in SLO CAL, bringing authentic flavors and dishes that reflect California’s rich Hispanic heritage. We are proudly home to a vast array of eateries serving traditional Mexican flavors.
Las Cazuelas Restaurant
📍 131 West Dana Street, Nipomo, CA 93444
Feast on generous portions of homestyle Mexican dishes at Las Cazuelas Restaurant. This local spot is known for its hearty combination plates and welcoming service.
Popular Dishes: Chile Verde, Cazuelas Steak, Chile Lime Fish Tacos
Taqueria El Guero
📍583 W Grand Ave, Grover Beach, CA 93433
Taqueria El Guero has three locations within SLO CAL (San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach and Grover Beach). They are renowned for serving delicious Mexican dishes, including one of their must try signature dishes: Birria Tacos.
Popular Dishes: Birria Quesa Taco Platter, Taco Plate, Torta
La Katrina
📍500 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA 93442
La Katrina Authentic Mexican Cocina is a family-owned restaurant that is extremely passionate about serving authentic dishes with delightful flavors that will make you feel at home. They ensure to source the best locally sourced ingredients in their food.
Popular Dishes: Chilaquiles La Katrina, Carne Asada, Katrina Tacos
Habaneros
📍555 12th Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Habaneros blends the rich traditions of Mexican Cuisines with the essence of the Central Coast through sourcing fresh, local ingredients for their dishes. With friendly service and delicious recipes, Habaneros ensures a satisfying dining experience.
Popular Dishes: Chicken Enchiladas, Fish Tacos, Queso Fundido
Explore more Mexican restaurants in SLO CAL here.
Peruvian
Peruvian cuisine is known for its bold flavors and diverse influences, blending Indigenous, Spanish, African and Asian traditions. Signature dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado showcase a unique mix of our fresh coastal ingredients with savory comfort foods.
Coya Peruvian Food
📍851 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Coya Peruvian Food opened in 2021, serving authentic Peruvian food in traditional gourmet format for guests. This hidden gem serves up unforgettable Peruvian flavors through classic dishes.
Popular Dishes: Lomo Saltado, Aji De Gallina, Ceviche Mixto
Mistura
📍570 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Indulge in an upscale Peruvian dining experience at Mistura. Mistura captures the native Incan and Pre-Columbian culinary heritage in their flavorful dishes. Chef Nicola Allegretta takes you on an intense culinary experience celebrating Peruvian Cuisine and its diverse influences.
Popular Dishes: Escabeche, Señor Lomo, Seco de Cordero
Kiko Restaurant & Pisco Bar
📍746 Higuera Street #6, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Kiko Restaurant & Pisco Bar brings delicious staples from Peru to San Luis Obispo. Enjoy a warm and welcoming dining experience with specialty drinks paired with tasty Peruvian dishes.
Popular Dishes: Arroz con Mariscos, Ceviche Clásico, Pasta Huancaína
International Markets
Back to Top of ListDo you enjoy cooking new dishes or even curious to try out some snacks from around the globe? Check out these international markets in SLO CAL that are sure to have what you are looking for to create a mouth-watering feast!
Etto Pastificio
Located in Tin City, Etto Pastificio offers 100% Organic Semolina Pasta. In addition to this, they have an extensive selection of Italian specialty foods and ingredients.
📍532 24th Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446
SLO Asian Market
This grocery store is an essential hub for home cooks, offering a vast selection of authentic ingredients from across Asia. In addition to this, they have a wide variety of popular Asian snacks to try as well. Find everything from fresh produce to unique sauces and spices at the SLO Asian Market.
📍1255 Monterey Street #C, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
De Bu of Pismo
Discover this international grocery store, De Bu of Pismo located in Pismo Beach offering a wide range of specialty Asian produce and ingredients, most especially their Filipino ingredients and baked goods.
📍1250 Price Street, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
La Reyna Market
Immerse yourself in the flavors of Mexico at La Reyna Market. This grocery store is a treasure trove of authentic ingredients and fresh baked bread. The store also has a deli where you can order traditional Mexican staples.
📍532 24th Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446
DePalo & Sons
DePalo & Sons in Pismo Beach offers a curated selection of gourmet Italian groceries, fresh pastas and specialty ingredients. It is a must-visit for food lovers and home cooks alike.
📍2665 Shell Beach Road, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Global Culinary Landscape
Exploring the diverse flavors of SLO CAL reveals a culinary landscape that spans the globe. From authentic Mexican and Italian dishes to fresh Mediterranean and Asian creations, the region offers a dining experience for every palate. Visiting the variety of restaurants that San Luis Obispo County has to offer is a delicious way to experience its vibrant culture and community. Make your next meal an adventure and taste the global cuisine of SLO CAL.